THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAM (TAT)
Western Connecticut State University’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT) is responsible for providing a coordinated and rapid response to students whose actions may be early warning signs of violent behavior or an intent to harm someone. Team members will implement a response to assist the student while mitigating risk to keep the WCSU community healthy and safe.
While there are no precise predictors of danger, there are behaviors and risk factors that might indicate a potential threat. These might include:
- exhibiting violent or aggressive behavior, for example:
- directly threatening another member of the university community
- physically assaulting another member of the university community
stalking:
engaging in a course of conduct based on sex, that is directed at the Complainant that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety, or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.
- expressing fascination with guns or violence, whether verbal, written, or other
- explicit threats or verbal statements that are threatening in nature
How to refer a student to the Threat Assessment Team (TAT):
Faculty, staff, and students with concerns for threatening student behavior are encouraged to provide a written and documented description of the concern by submitting a report using the online form.
If the behavior is not threatening but you have concerns for the student, report these concerns to the Student Care Team (SCT).
Once the TAT has received and assessed written documentation from a member of the university community, it will consider what further action or monitoring is needed.
Each situation will be examined from the following perspectives:
a) health and safety of the student and the community;
b) psychosocial and educational situation of the student; and
c) legal ramifications of the specific situation. The TAT will assess each case based on its particular set of needs, concerns, and circumstances.
Current TAT Members
Co-Chairs:
Dr. Stephen Hegedus, Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jay Murray, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs
Core Team Members:
Charles Alexander, Director, Judicial Affairs
Chief Robert Berry, Chief, University Police
Dr. Julie Perrelli, Interim Dean, Student Affairs
Dr. Ree Gunter, Director, Counseling Services
Ron Mason, Director, Housing and Residence Life
Ad Hoc Members:
Jennifer Labate, University’s Title IX Officer
Fred Cratty, Chief Human Resources Officer
Elisabeth Morel, Director, AccessAbility Services
Caitlin Voege, Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator
Karen Buffkin, General Counsel, CSCU